BOARD MEETING DATE: March 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 28

California Air Resources Board Monthly Meeting

SYNOPSIS:

The California Air Resources Board met on February 22.  The following is a summary of that meeting.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and File.

Ronald O. Loveridge, Member
SCAQMD Governing Board

The meeting held was held on February 22 at the Cal/EPA Building in Sacramento.  Key items presented are summarized below.

Regulatory Item:  Amendments to Regulations for the State Ambient Air Quality Standard for Nitrogen Dioxide

The Board unanimously approved amendments to strengthen the State ambient air quality standard for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).  This decision was based upon recent health-based studies pointing to relevant health effects from low-level exposure to NO2 in sensitive human populations, including increased asthma symptoms and medication use as well as emergency room visits and hospitalization for asthma, particularly in children.  Studies also show that long-term exposures (i.e., one or more years) to NO2 concentrations greater than the new annual average may lead to changes in lung function growth in children, symptoms in asthmatic children, and preterm birth. 

The amendments establish levels of ambient NO2 considered safe, and are based on a joint ARB/OEHHA review of the scientific literature. The staff report and recommendations were peer-reviewed and approved by the Air Quality Advisory Committee.  The Board’s action strengthened the 1-hour average NO2 standard to 0.18 ppm from the less stringent standard of 0.25  ppm, and established a new annual average standard for NO2 of 0.030 ppm

The Board accepted the staff’s recommendations to evaluate the impacts of localized NO₂ hot spots to communities located near freeways and heavily travelled arterials that regional air monitors do not pick up.  The Board also accepted the staff’s recommendations to seek funding for additional health research on potential NO₂ impacts on premature mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease. 

All of the State meets the more stringent 1-hour standard, although the South Coast has the highest recorded concentrations.  On the other hand, the South Coast is the only area in the State that has recorded NO₂ concentrations higher than the annual average since at least 1980.  Nevertheless, NO₂ levels in the South Coast have steadily improved and the annual average in 2005 was on the cusp of attainment.  Staff credits this steady and continuing long-term improvement to the State’s focus on NOx controls to reduce harmful levels of ozone, particulate matter, and air toxics.

Reports to the Board

Status Report on the Fuel Program

Staff updated the Board on the implementation of California’s motor vehicle fuels program.  The staff also reviewed upcoming regulatory revisions to further tighten fuel standards.  Staff also discussed new fuel activities associated with the Governor’s Executive Order S-01-07 that sets a goal to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels (10% by 2020).  ARB staff is proposing that the Board adopt a low carbon fuel standard as an early action measure under AB32.

Attachment
CARB February 22, 2007 Meeting Agenda